When rain is not the real problem

Filepic/The Star

AFTER every major flood, the debate turns to rainfall. Was it a once-in-a-century event that no one could have foreseen? Was it simply an act of God?

These questions are understandable. But in an age of satellite forecasting, flood modelling and real-time alerts and where we can predict and prepare for natural hazards as never before, are they still the right ones to ask?